Energy bills soar by £600m as household gadgets surge

By Louise Bateman Tuesday, October 20, 2015

A poll shows energy bills are soaring by around £600 million a year across the UK due to a surge in household gadgets.

The survey commissioned by the Energy Saving Trust and carried out by Ipsos MORI, found the average number of gadgets in people’s homes has increased by 31 per cent since 2010. This increase along with leaving devices on stand-by is leading to an average £30 a year hike in energy bills.

The poll reveals:

the number of kitchen appliances, including coffee machines and juicers, has increased by 58 per cent

more than three quarters (78 per cent) of people admit to regularly leaving at least two devices on standby

a third of us (31 per cent) blame spouses for leaving appliances switched on around the house, whilst almost half (44 per cent) blame the children.

The findings are being published in the run up to Big Energy Saving Week, a joint campaign by the Energy Saving Trust, Department of Energy and Climate Change and Citizens Advice, which launches on Monday 26 October. The campaign aims to help householders cut their bills.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of Energy Saving Trust, said: “There is a growing black hole in our energy bills because we prefer the convenience of standby.”

Commenting on the findings, Steve Malkin, ceo of Planet First, said: “Big Energy Saving Week is a great way to raise public awareness about saving energy, but we’d also urge business owners and property owners to get behind employee and occupier and engagement programmes as this can be a very effective way to reduce energy usage and costs.

"Behaviour change is key to bringing down energy costs both at home and at work. According to the Energy Managers Association (EMA) up to 40 per cent of a building’s energy efficiency can be improved by behaviour change. And much of that can be achieved with quick wins and with ultra-low capital investment."

The Planet First team will offering advice, insights and practical talks on how to successfully engage occupiers and employees in energy efficiency in November at both The Energy Management Exhibition in London and Greenbuild Expo in Manchester. To find out more including how you can benefit from exclusive offers we are running at both shows, get in touch via +44 203 751 8108 or fill in your contact details on The Planet First website and quote the ‘EMEXLondon’ or ‘Greenbuild Expo’ in the 'Message' box.